Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in

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Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
Mapping circus and
  street art in
SouthEast Europe
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
INTRODUCTION
For the circus in the Balkans, it can be said to be a spontaneous growth plant
that builds its way through a series of obstacles, side-tracks, and aggravating
circumstances. Over the past years of persistent work and action, the plant
called the circus has succeeded in roots taking and growing in a tree that is
expanding its branches.
Through the years, with the development of Cirkobalkana festival, contemporary
circus festival that is focused on representing regional circus scene from Balkans,
artists, groups and circus organizations started to collaborate more and more.
It was obvious that if we are working together, it helps us to develop new ideas
and shows, to bring foreign educators in the region, international high-quality
shows and also to position contemporary circus and street art in national cultural
policies.
In 2018 we started the first regional platform, CPuP - Circus on the move and we
got the grant from Foundation Kultura nova which gave us the wind in our sails.
Through various activities (co-production of performances, residency programs,
education and quest performances), program cooperation is developed as
well as a greater flow of cultural work in the region. The educational program
strengthens the capacity of member organizations; enable professional training
of artists and artist’s mobility in the field of regional contemporary art. One of
the activities was mapping circus organization in the region to collect more
information about organizations, spaces and performers (individuals/companies)
that are working in the circus or street performing art in the Balkan Region.
With this mapping, we wanted to provide the framework and create conditions
for further cooperation and development, as well as the implementation
of collaborative projects and empower the actors that contribute to the
development of cultural policies in the region. So, this is not a real professional
research that we would like to be done in the future. It’s just the first step to
know better the situation is in the region.
Mapping covered the countries of Southeast Europe that we call here the
Balkans. These are Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece,
Kosovo, Macedonia, Monte Negro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The
questionnaire was filled by 33 respondents. Respondents argued that they are
non-profit organizations, private business entities, informal groups, individual
performers and independent itinerant groups. From the answer on the year
of establishment we can see that the scene had a big growth after 2010. The
artistic forms that are represented are: contemporary circus, street performing
art, contemporary dance, social and youth circus, puppetry and most of the
respondents combine different art forms.
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
ASSOCIATIONS AND ARTISTS
Bosnia and Hercegovina                 Macedonia
Banja Luka - Cirkus Banjaluka          Skopje - Fuzzbubble

Croatia                                Romania
Križevci - K.V.A.R.K. Association      Cluj - Napoca - Circus Fairies
Pula - Čarobnjakov Šešir,              Sibiu - Alandala Circus Project
Kreativni Cirkus
Rijeka - Prostor +                     Serbia
Samobor - Cirkuska Udruga              Beograd - Cirkusfera,
Cirkultura                             Inex Circus Teater
Split - Kulturna Alternativa           Novi Sad - Kreativni Pogon,
Mladih - HRAM, ROOM 100                Nemanja Jovanović,
Vukomerić - Matko Šišak                NS Acrobalance
Zadar - Anamarija Jurišić
Zagreb - Cirkorama,                    Slovenia
Cirk Pozor - fictional solo            Koper - Aerial Circus
circus, Sara Šimić,                    Lesce - Čupakabra
Traumatic Arts, Tricycle Trauma        Ljubljana - Društvo CIK / Cirkus
                                       la Bulle, Društvo Gledališče Ane
Greece                                 Monro, EX-Teater,
Athens - Cirko Cachivache              Mismo Nismo, Slovensko
Thesaloniki - Dromocosmicas            Združenje za Cirkuško
                                       Pedagogiko Cirkokrog

FESTIVALS
Croatia                                Serbia
Križevci- KUFER FESTIVAL               Beograd/Novi Sad -
/ street art /                         CIRKOBALKANA FESTIVAL
Novigrad/Labin - FESTIVAL              /contemporary circus in circus tent/
ULIČNIH ČAROBNJAKA / street art /
Rijeka - PERISKOP / in door -          Slovenia
contemporary dance and circus /        Ljubljana - FESTIVAL ANA
Samobor - CUFUS FESTIVAL               DESETNICA /street art/,
/ street art /, CHC - CROATIAN         CIRKUŠKA STIČIŠČA /symposium
HULA HOOP CONVENTION                   on circus pedagogy/,
/convention/                           CIRKOBALKANA FESTIVAL
Zagreb - CIRKOBALKANA FESTIVAL         /contemporary circus in circus tent/
/contemporary circus in circus tent/
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
Samobor                                         Cluj-Napoca
     Ljubljana Zagreb
 Lesce           Križevci                               Sibiu
Koper
    SLOVENIA    Vukomerić           Novi Sad           ROMANIA
                CROATIA                Beograd
Pula
  Rijeka              Banja Luka

                      BOSNIA AND  SERBIA
                      HERZEGOVINA
      Zadar
                               MONTE
              Split            NEGRO
                                       KOSOVO             BULGARIA
                                            Skopje
                                        MACEDONIA

                                   ALBANIA

                                                     Thessaloniki
                                         GREECE
                                           Athens                    TURKEY
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
CIRKUS BANJALUKA
Non formal organization
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

www.cirkusbanjaluka.wordpress.com
f: /
e: cirkus.banjaluka@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2011
Artistic form: contemporary circus
Fields of work: festival, training space

We organize an international acrobatics convention in summer for 6 years, and
some workshops of various disciplines from time to time.

Projects: Acrobatics convention in Krupa na Vrbasu (2011-2016 and 2018)
Workshops (trapeze, silk, juggling, acrobatics..) in different cities in Bosnia
The shows: /
Education: Workshops (trapeze, silk, juggling, acrobatics..) in different cities
in Bosnia
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
CROATIA
ANAMARIJA JURIŠIĆ
artists, private business entity
Zadar, Croatia

w: /
f: https://www.facebook.com/anamarija.jurisic.10
e: anamarija.jurisic11@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2017
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment,
Actress and puppeteer
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, residency space

I'm an Actress, puppeteer and a clown. I work on street, theatre and on
television. Very open minded.

Projects: Several puppet and theatre shows and many other workshops.
The shows: Puppet show ''Moonlight'', ''Fragile'', ''Be my friend''' and theatre
shows ''Before Death'', ''2:14'', ''Life isn't Cheap''
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
CIRKORAMA
non profit organization (NGO)
Zagreb, Croatia

www.cirkorama.org
f: www.facebook.com/cirkorama/
e: cirkorama@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2008
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective, residency
space

Non-profit cultural organization with main goal to research, create, promote
and develop performing arts-especially contemporary circus arts field in
Balkans through activities such as: workshops, production, performances,
trainings, residencies of regional and foreign circus artists, development of
circus pedagogy, festival, organization of round tables, advocacy. Main projects
of Cirkorama: Cirkobalkana, Program of Cirkorama, Laboratory of Circus Arts,
CircusNext Platform as a partner in the platform.

Projects: Cirkobalkana Festival, Program of Cirkorama, Laboratory of Circus Arts,
partner in CircusNext Platform, CPuP - Circus platform on the move
The shows: Reciklaun-street show, The Tortures, IdoYoudo, The Muljatovići,
Petroleja Štulić-Pushing Boundaries (work in progress)
Coproduction: (UN)connected- by Malinada Kolektiv (work in progress),
Cirkobalkana Chaos Cabaret (Kreativni Cirkus, Cirkusfera, Cirkorama)
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
CIRKUSKA UDRUGA CIRKULTURA
non profit organization (NGO)
Samobor, Croatia

www.razbibriga.hr
f: https://www.facebook.com/Cirkultura/
e: cirkultura@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2008
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertaiment
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective

Cirkultura is a voluntary, non-party organization gathering people who want to
participate in organization / promotion circus arts. The goal of the association is
to study, practice and promote circus skills/ arts through performing, organizing
events and education.

Projects: Cu’fus – Circus street art festival in Samobor / www.cufus.net,
CHC – Croatian hula hoop convention
/ https://croatianhoopconvention.weebly.com/, Cirkuliranje – yearly educative
program / https://udrugarazbibriga.weebly.com/cirkuliranje.html
The shows: "Street show – Kesten i Papaja , Prometheus fire show, Las Cavaleras,
Vivo sportivo, Theatre show for kids – Kapetan Šeflja I Petra Panj,
Contemporary circus show – “O” (work in progress), “Tubez” (work in progress)"
Education: workshops for children and youth
/ professional education for circus artists
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
CIRK POZOR - fictional solo circus
informal group
Zagreb, Croatia

w: /
f: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010720246760
e: nikolinamaj@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2017
Artistic form: street performing art, art
Fields of work: training space, education, company/collective

It's a fictive solo circus. Active in creating fictive solo shows.

Projects: /
The shows: "Tereti". "Niske pobude i visoke pete"
Education: workshops for children and youth
Mapping circus and southeast europe street art in
ČAROBNJAKOV ŠEŠIR / THE WIZARD’S HAT
non profit organization (NGO)
Pula, Croatia

www.fucfestival.com
f: https://www.facebook.com/Udruga-Čarobnjakov-šešir
e: c.sesir@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2004
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertaiment
Fields of work: festival, training space

Association Čarobnjakov šešir was established in 2004 with the aim to develop
and promote street circus art. In 2005 we started to organize the international
street art festival Festival uličnih čarobnjaka and still, we do it. We also run a
training space where we provide educational programs and sometimes we
organize artist in residence program. We produce street theatre shows and
organize a lot of events in our region.

Projects: Festival uličnih čarobnjaka, Cirkobalkana festival in Pula,
CPuP - circus platform on the move
The shows: /
Education: workshops for children and youth
KREATIVNI CIRKUS
private business entity
Pula, Croatia

www.kreativnicirkus.org
f: /
e: kreativni.cirkus@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2016
Artistic form: street performing art, event entertaiment
Fields of work: performing arts agency

Kreativni cirkus is a performing art agency that promote and manage street
circus shows and artists.

Projects: Circus in the City -Poreč Open Air / Rabac Open Air, Večeri uličnih
čarobnjaka u Novigradu
The shows: Cirkobalkana Kaos cabare (coproduction)
Education: /

                          www.kreativnicirkus.org
Kulturna Alternativa Mladih - HRAM
non profit organization (NGO)
Split, Croatia

www.kamhram.com
f: https://web.facebook.com/pg/Kam-Hram
e: kamhram@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2003
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertaiment
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collectiv

Youth Cultural Alternative - HRAM is a citizen's association founded on the needs
of the local and wider regional community to meet the needs and interests of
young people who have affinity towards circus, music, stage, dance, literary and
acting art, youth education and their artistic creativity, and identity development
.We are located at the Small Scene of the Youth House in Split, in the area
equipped with dance floor, tatami, stringers, trampoline, equipment for aerial
skills, juggling equipment, and studio for music and video production. In addition
to regular trainings, we perform, do cabarets, workshops, projects, and do
festivals.

Projects: Together with other memebers from the association, we've provided
the production of Cabaret shows (children & adults), residences of 'LEFTOVER'
company & Saana Leppänen, aerial, juggling & clown workshops with
professional circus artists and colleagues from our country.
The shows: „Broken toys“ , Circus show "Montaža Trupe" and work in progress
contemporary circus act "Body, Sound & Light"
Education: workshops for children and youth
K.V.A.R.K. Association
non profit organization (NGO)
Križevci, Croatia

www.udruga-kvark.hr
f: https://www.facebook.com/kuferkz/
e: sajo@klubkulture.org
Year of establishment: 2000
Artistic form: street performing art
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective

KUFER is the name for a juggling collective of twenty children and adolescents
from the area of Križevci (Croatia) and its surroundings that regularly train in the
Club of Culture and other areas under the leadership of Saša Lončarić and Dijana
Čeh, the representatives of K.V.A.R.K. Association. Except juggling workshops,
KUFER also marks two festivals - the three-day festival ""KUFER"" with a variety
of performing arts, art/visual, educational and entertaining program that brings
together about 4000 children and young people from the area of Križevci and
its surroundings, and a one-day festival ""Ludorija"" - a two-hour fun festival
for the children of the city Križevci and its surrounding area with the aim of
providing a diverse content designed and built by children. Within two years of
work we have formed an artistic performing group consisted of 20 members,
which is presented as KUFER Theatre with its own performances.

Projects: KUFER Festival, Festival "Ludorija", KUFER Theatre, juggling
workshops, educational partnerships with domestic and foreign artists
The shows: We have one authentic performance consisted of 4 parts: 2
individual hula hoop performances, 1 joint hula hoop performance and a clown
show. The performers are children (7-13 years).
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
MATKO ŠIŠAK
artist, private business entity
Vukomerić, Croatia

w: /
f: www.facebook.com/matko.sisak
e: matko.sisak@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 1999
Artistic form: street performing art, event entertainment
Fields of work: festival, company/collectiv, artistic agency

Matko is a circus performer with many years of experience in street art, juggling,
clown performances, animation, medieval and roman expression.

Projects: /
The shows: Street shows: Traveling circus Count of Motika and faithful servant
Ludek, Fakhir Kundalini and CirkoMAt show by Matkovski
Education: workshops for children and youth
PROSTOR PLUS
non profit organization (NGO)
Rijeka, Croatia

www.prostorplus.hr
f: www.facebook.com/prostor.plus.7/
e: prostorplus@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2002
Artistic form: contemporary circus, contemporary dance
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, residency space, EU projects

Prostor Plus association was established to meet and educate individuals in
performance practices. Activities in the area of non-formal education, self-
education, independent culture and production.

Projects: festival Periskop, regular aerial silk trainings
The shows: We produce Variete program that brings together artists and groups
from the environment into a unique program that serves as a platform for their
work. We have production at the end of the year with our participants of regular
trainings of aerial silk.
Education: workshops for children and youth
ROOM 100
non profit organization (NGO)
Split, Croatia

www.room100.org
f: https://www.facebook.com/ROOM100SOBA100/
e: antonia.kuzmanic@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2008
Artistic form: contemporary circus
Fields of work: training space, education, company/collective, residency space,
yearly programming of contemporary circus performances

ROOM 100 has been established by Antonia Kuzmanić and Jakov Labrović in
2010. Their first performance ""C8H11NO2"" earned them a title of ""Jeunes
Talents Cirque Europe 2009-2010"" laureate and critics of being an ""exceptional
example of an intelligent, accurate, deliberate and intensive work"". SInce then,
they performed in USA, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Spain,
Switzerland, Italy, Lithuania and Croatia and produced ""split"", ""Seed"" and
""BLINK"" performances.
Beside performing and producing contemporary circus performances, ROOM
100 is undergoing different projects of strengthening contemporary circus scene
in Croatia and introducing contemporary circus arts, its history and importance
to wider audience. Main activity is running HALA 100 - residency place for
contemporary circus arts (first of its kind in Croatia and ex Yugoslavia) - and
hosting international circus artists for creation, performances and workshops.

Projects: HALA 100 - residency center for contemporary circus arts
(residencies, howcasing full performances and work-in--progress presentations,
masterclasses)
Kontorcionizam 100 - contortion education for circus students
CircusNext PLaTFoRM
The shows: Krug / Circle - contortion performance, Barehanded Sculptor - site-
specific performance, BLINK - contemporary circus performance
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
SARA ŠIMIĆ
performer
Zagreb, Croatia

www.sarasimic.com
i: https://www.instagram.com/aerial_sara/
e: sara.aerialdance@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2018
Artistic form: contemporary circus, event entertainment
Fields of work: festival, company/collective, artistic agency

I'm individual performer who works on different projects.

Projects: /
The shows: /
Education: workshops for children and youth
TRAUMATIC ARTS
non profit organization (NGO)
Zagreb, Croatia

www.traumaticarts.hr
f: https://www.facebook.com/TraumaticArts/
e: martina.svila@yahoo.com
Year of establishment: 2012
Artistic form: event entertaiment
Fields of work: training space, education, artistic agency

Our organization is mostly into aerial circus (we organize aerial workshops) and
we also perform on all sorts of events and festivals (fire, acrobatic and aerial
shows).

Projects: Project "Poletimo zajedno" (aerial workshops)
The shows: Flying heel cabaret show, Šuma s 3 bora show
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
TRICYCLE TRAUMA
non profit organization (NGO)
Zagreb, Croatia

w: /
f: www.facebook.com/tricycletrauma
e: tricycletrauma@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2017
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art
Fields of work: education, company/collective

A contemporary circus collective with a focus on the dark and uncomfortable
aesthetics and themes, always aiming to include a social commentary and some
of the anarchistic principles in its works.

Projects: Night of the Dark Circus, Circus in the Park, Collectées of Darkness, The
Little Nightmare
The shows: Collectées of Darkness, The Little Nightmare
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
GREECE
CIRKO CACHIVACHE
non profit organization (NGO)
Athens, Greece

www.cirkocachivache.gr
f: Cirko Cachivache
e: cachivache.cirko@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2010
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment,
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective, residency
space

We are company of circus theater in Athens, Greece and we are working self-
sufficient for more than 8 years.

Projects: We have a training space were we bring a professional approach to
circus disciplines and we play in the biggest theater of Athens for a full winter
season.
The shows: 3D, oniro tis Molly & Joker
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
DROMOCOSMICAS
indipendent itinerant group
Thessaloniki, Greece

www.dromocosmicas.com
f: www.facebook.com/Dromocósmicas-535501716479063/
e: dromocosmicas@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2010
Artistic form: street performing art, circus-theater
Fields of work: company/collective

Dromocósmicas is an itinerant group that presents performances and workshops
around the world, bringing their work in different kind of situation as festivals,
schools, theater, squares, social project in cities and villages.
Projects:
- "Tsirko-Theatro Dromocósmicas", a one month artistic programme (55
performances) among circus, theater, puppets and music, under the circus tent
of the group, in the space of the cultural center "Moni Lazariston" in Thessaloniki
(GREECE), 2016
-"Geiassou Festival", an independent busker festival in collaboration with "Fix in
art" cultural space , Thessaloniki (Greece), 2016
-"Vagor & Bellavita around Paraná" a tour project around the state of Paraná in
Brazil with the performance "Vagor & Bellavita" with the support of the Cultural
Department of Paraná (Brazil), 2017
-"The caravan in the woods", a meeting to share knowledge and participate in
different workshops, under the circus tent of the group. It took place in a wood
close to the city of Xanthi (Greece) in the border with Bulgaria, 2018

The shows: "Vagor & Bellavita"
Education: workshops for children and youth
MACEDONIA
FUZZBUBBLE
non profit organization (NGO)
Skopje, Macedonia

www.jaacfuzzbubble.wix.com/fuzzbubble
f: http://www.facebook.com/fuzzbubble.jaac
e: dzuljo@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 1999
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective, artistic
agency, residency space

Juggling acrobatic association of citizen.

Projects: Festival of light Zagreb
The shows: /
Education: workshops for children and youth
ROMANIA
ALANDALA CIRCUS PROJECT
non profit organization (NGO)
Sibiu, Romania

www.alandalacircus.ro
f: https://www.facebook.com/scoaladecirc.alandala/
e: alandalacircusproject@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2018
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art
Fields of work: festival, education, company/collective

We are two circus teachers (France and Romania) who after studying abroad
and working at Ecole de cirque de Bruxelles, Galway Community Circus and Le
plus petit cirque du Monde establish circus School in Sibiu. The Alandala Circus
Project offers children, young and adult activities. Workshops, shows, animations
and more. Recreational activity, pedagogical tool, sport, art ... the circus has
everything.

Projects: Circ de 2 lei - An itinerary social circus project that makes circus
workshops accessible to children from rural areas, Roma communities and
children and adults with disabilities.
The shows: “Prolog” - a 30 min show that explores the theme of books, with
circus, dance and puppet elements
Education: workshops for children and youth
CIRCUS FAIRIES
non profit organization (NGO)
Cluj-Napoca, Romania

w: /
f: www.facebook.com/circusfairies
e: circussfairiess@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2018
Artistic form: contemporary circus
Fields of work: festival, training space, education

We promote contemporary circus through workshops, shows, cultural events and
social projects. We want to build the circus community in Cluj-Romania in order
to make these activities possible. We also want to organize a circus convention
in Cluj.

Projects: Workshops for adults and for kids of different ages for cultural events
and places in Cluj.
The shows: /
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
SERBIA
CIRKUSFERA
Belgrade, Serbia

www.cirkusfera.org
f: https://www.facebook.com/cirkusfera.org/
e: cirkusfera@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2008
Artistic form: contemporary circus and street performing art
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective, training
and residency space

Cirkusfera is an organization for the development of contemporary circus,
animation art, contemporary and street theater. It brings together dedicated
to young artists who know the art of juggling, object manipulation, acrobatics,
equilibrism, clown technique, acting.
We are committed to promoting the development of culture and art, the
affirmation of the performing arts (contemporary circus and street theater)
and the independent art scene dreams, education of children and youth,
environmental initiatives, raising awareness of the physical and mental health
and lifelong learning.

Projects: Regional contemporary circus festival Cirkobalkana, Circus Next,
Cirkobalkana platform, Laboratory of circus arts, Factory of new circus,
Contemporary circus week
The shows: Unpacked, Not the right leg, Demagogue, Hat full of colours
Coproduction: Cirkobalkana Chaos Cabaret (Cirkorama, Cirkusfera,
Kreativni cirkus)
Education: workshops for children and youth
INEX CIRCUS TEATER
non profit organization (NGO)
Belgrade, Serbia

w: /
f: www.facebook.com/InexTeatar/
e: inexteatar@gmail.com
i: inexcirkusteatar
Year of establishment: 2013
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment
Fields of work: education, company/collective, artistic agency

ICT is an organization that is engaged in the improvement and development of
a modern circus in Serbia. By studying and applying circus skills, by educating
children and young people. The organization consists of artists from the field of
circus, visual, dramatic and musical arts.
Gathered around the common need for theater outside the theater buildings
and institutions, Inex Theater was built in the building of former Inex film, as a
unique, independent space intended for alternative theater expression and a new
circus. From June 2013 to October 2015, this space existed as the only space in
Belgrade adapted to the needs of performing aerial acrobatics and other skills
of the new circus. In the space we created two theatrical performances, and a
couple of cabarets, a lot of workshops.
After leaving the space we are more based on performances at festivals, street
performances, clubs, less in theaters. We also based on circus workshops for
children, supported by the Secretariat for Culture of the City of Belgrade.
Projects: "Today's Contemporary Circus for Children, Circus Game", 2016
"Sunday of Contemporary Circus for Children, Circus Game Room ", 2016
"CIRKUSARIJE" - workshops of the circular circuit for children, 2017

The shows: "Sandman" - theater show, "Psihoza" - theater show, "Velikan" -
theater show, Prolecni kabare - cabaret
Education: workshops for children and youth
KREATIVNI POGON
non profit organization (NGO)
Novi Sad, Serbia

www.kreativnipogon.com
f: www.facebook.com/cirkus3000/
e: kreativnipogon3000@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2010
Artistic form: contemporary circus
Fields of work: education, circus school

Promoting contemporary theater and contemporary circus as an artistic,
engaged form. Education of future artists, pedagogues, audiences and
institutions about the importance of modern circus. Our vision is to establish
circus school with educated and professional personnel in a space that meets
world standards. Circus as an elective subject in elementary and secondary
schools.

Projects: Circus for all; partner in Cirkobalkana festival in Novi Sad, 2018.
The shows: Progres
Education: workshops for children and youth
NEMANJA JOVANOVIĆ
artist
Novi Sad, Serbia

w: /
i: https://www.instagram.com/princolio/
e: nemanja.prince@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 1989
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art
Fields of work: company/collective

Nemanja did a 3 year circus formation in Academie Fratellini in Paris, France.
During this period he worked with many circus directors and choreographers
like Antoine Rigot, Mourad Mearzuki, Jeanne Mordoj, Pateick de Valette and
others. He is specialized in floor acrobatics, but is always looking for new ways of
developing his movement.

Projects: /
The shows: Fil-Fil - Jeanne Mordoj,
Le Petit Prince - Anne Tournie - Sokol Entertainment
Education: /
NS ACROBALANCE
private business entity
Novi Sad, Serbia

w: /
i: https://www.instagram.com/nsacrobalance/
e: nsacrobalance@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2016
Artistic form: street performing art, event entertainment, classes of partner
acrobatics
Fields of work: festival, training space, education

Formed in 2016 as a result of mutual work and interest of Jelena and Nenad.
As a relatively new and unknown activity in our region our goal is to develop
interest in partner acrobatics and workouts spreading appreciation for this
healthy and entertaining activity.
We teach regular classes of acrobalance and encourage performances on
different occasions.

Projects: We held 25 successful weekend workshops during 2017-2018 and
performed at Exit festival 2018, Piano City 2018 and Cirkobalkana Open stage
2018.
The shows: "Flow with the keys" performed at Piano City and Open Stage
Cirkobalkana , "Freedom flow performed" at Exit Festival and "Flow into Spring"
and various street performances.
Education: workshops for children and youth
SLOVENIA
AERIAL CIRCUS
artist, private business entity
Koper, Slovenia

www.aerialcircus.si / www.danaaugustin.com
f: https://www.facebook.com/aerialcircus; https://www.facebook.com/
augustindanaaerialcircus/; https://www.instagram.com/danaaugustinaerial/
e: aerialcircus@danaaugustin.com
Year of establishment: 2009
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment
Fields of work: training space, education, company/collective

Aerial Circus' main activities are education in the field of movement (on the
ground providing basics for acrobatic movement) and in the air (on aerial silks,
aerial hammocks and aerial rope); shows and performances. It collaborates with
different organizations and groups worldwide with the aim of developing and
promoting contemporary circus, as well as contemporary street performances
and events.

Projects: 2018 awards of municipality Nova Gorica, SNG Nova Gorica;
choreography and interpretation on aerial silks and aerial hammock; Slovenia.
2018 40th anniversary of company Kolpa in KCJT Novo Mesto; choreography and
interpretation on aerial silks; Slovenia.
2018 Aerial Circus’ workshops on Aerial silks, Aerial rope, Aerial hammock &
Floor flexibility, balance and strength programs in circus schools: Helios Escuela
de Artes Escénico Circenses, Mexico City; Circo de Mente, Mexico City; Calembur
es Danza aerea, Mexico City; Academia Abriendo Caminos, St Isidro, Costa Rica;
Danzaire, Escuela de Danza Aérea, St Jose, Costa Rica and Vol’Air Danza Aérea
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
2018 and 2017 – Aerial Circus workshops (Aerial Silks, Aerial rope, Aerial
Hammocks and FBS program); Aerial Convention Riada; Italy.
The shows: Aerial Circus and Rogor Cirkus’s show ""Somiru""
2018 Aerial Circus’ show ""Aquariom""
2018 Aerial Circus and music group Histrio (Tinkara Kovač, Stefano Bembi,
Tomaž Nedoh) ""Site Specific""
2016 Aerial Circus & Življenje na nitki’s ""OrOr""
Education: workshops for children and youth / professional education for circus
artists
ČUPAKABRA
žonglerska in ognjena skupina
Lesce, Slovenia

www.cupakabra.si
f: https://www.facebook.com/cirkuscupakabra/
e: info@cupakabra.si
Year of establishment: 2006
Artistic form: contemporary circus, street performing art, event entertainment
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, company/collective

Very flexible circus team. We spread the magic of the circus, where it is possible
and beyond.

Projects: /
The shows: Unga (fire performance), Kufrband (street show), Dragonelija (stilts
walking street show)
Education: workshops for children and youth
DRUŠTVO CIK / CIRKUS LA BULLE
Ljubljana, Slovenia

w: /
f: /
e: cirkuslabulle@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2015
Artistic form: contemporary circus, circus pedagogy
Fields of work: education, trainings and workshops

Association CIK organizes local and international circus pedagogy trainings for
youth workers.

Projects: Implemented international training course Circus pedagogy for youth
workers in Finland and Hungary.
Implemented circus pedagogy training for students in University of Ljubljana
The shows: Cirkus picnic - children play
Education: workshops for children and youth
DRUŠTVO GLEDALIŠČE ANE MONRO
non profit organization (NGO)
Ljubljana, Slovenia

www.anamonro.si
f: https://www.facebook.com/ana.monro.9
e: goro.anamonro@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 1982
Artistic form: street performing art
Fields of work: festival, education, company/collective

Ana Monro Theater is the oldest independent theatre group in Slovenia. In over
30 years of existence it has importantly influenced the development of the
cultural landscape of Slovenia. Ana Monro members introduced street theatre
and improvisational theatre to the artistic and general community in Slovenia.
For 18 years, it has been running the world renown international street theatre
festival - Ana Desetnica. This festival connects 15 different communities in
Slovenia.
Ana Monro also runs ŠUGLA – a street theatre school for young artists offering
a two-year training program that helps them produce and emerge in the
professional street arts environment. From 2011, with the help of the members
of the international street theatre festivals network called MERIDIANS, it started
the EWO – East West Opportunity initiative that connects and promotes
collaboration between artists, professionals and organizers on the East West
axis. It is engaged in development and promotion of community engaged
program.

Projects: Street theatre festival Ana Desetnica, ŠUGLA (school of contemporary
performance and street theatre), Kultura po meri (cultural program for schools).
The shows: Kar nosimo /Things we carry (2017); Ulične igre / Street games
(2017); Proslava po meri (2018).
Education: workshops for children and youth
EX-TEATER
non profit organization (NGO)
Ljubljana, Slovenia

www.ex-teater.org
f: https://www.facebook.com/exteater/
e: contact@ex-teater.org
Year of establishment: 2017
Artistic form: contemporary circus
Fields of work: training space, education, company/collective, residency space

A performing arts company, a residency space and a space for artistic formation
and exchange.

Projects: #Manifesto (show); opening our own studio in Ljubljana
The shows: #Manifesto, Ethereal, Ringside (WIP)
Education: profesional education for circus artists
MISMO NISMO
non profit organization (NGO)
Ljubljana, Slovenia

w: /
f: https://www.facebook.com/mismonismoart
e: mismonismo72@gmail.com
Year of establishment: 2018
Artistic form: contemporary circus, performing arts (interdisciplinary)
Fields of work: company/collective

Mismo Nismo [eng. WeAre WeAren’t) is a new alt-art circus collective based in
Slovenia. We are pessimists who want to embrace the uncertainty of the future
through experiences of the present. Our aesthetic is raw, experimental and full of
flaws. To us Form is Experiment and the Idea is everything.

Projects: Circus next (Jeunes Talents Cirque Europe and supported by the
European Union),
The shows: work in progress NOise Circus- laureated by Circus Next edition
2018/2019 (we are freelance artists and we all have few shows outside of Mismo
Nismo)
Education: workshops for children and youth
SLOVENSKO ZDRUŽENJE ZA CIRKUŠKO
PEDAGOGIKO CIRKOKROG
non profit organization (NGO)
Ljubljana, Slovenia

www.cirkokrog.com
f: https://www.facebook.com/Cirkokrog/
e: cirkokrog@cirkokrog.com
Year of establishment: 2005
Artistic form: Social and youth circus
Fields of work: festival, training space, education, social activism

Since 2005, we have been developing and implementing various projects and
programs for the youth, social, children's and community circus and other forms
of use of the circus in pedagogical, youth and social pedagogical contexts. Most
of our activities are taking place in Ljubljana, but we like to host and carry out
projects and workshops also in other Slovenian towns and villages. International
connections and projects also do not get out!

Projects: The circus goes to the world (2014-2017), Circus in town (2015 - today),
Social circus, Circus at the asylum home, Street circus (2016-today)
The shows: Kabare inštituta za varovanje varnosti
Education: workshops for children and youth
FESTIVALS
CIRKOBALKANA FESTIVAL
organized by Cirkorama and Cirkusfera /
Zagreb, Croatia & Belgrade, Serbia
www.cirkobalkana.org

Cirkobalkana is traveling regional festival of contemporary circus in a circus tent.
Festival’s goal is to offer an independent circus space for creation, education,
performance, and training to the local regional artists, as well as programming of
most interesting contemporary shows at the moment- from abroad. The core of
the festival’s organization is 6 artists from Cirkorama and Cirkusfera. Festival in
Zagreb is usually on the beginning of May, in Ljubljana on the end of
June / beginning of July, and in Belgrade or Novi Sad in September. Festival
gathers around 50 artists from Region and rest of the world.
CUFUS FESTIVAL
organized by Cirkultura / Samobor, Croatia
www.cufus.net

CU’FUS (Circus street festival in Samobor) is dedicated to circus or street art
performance. The mission of the festival is to promote circus, circus groups
and artist, support domestic artist and artists from the region, audience, and
public education. CU’FUS also explores all the spheres of the new circus, which
includes experiments with all kinds of media (music, contemporary dance,
miming, physical theatre, digital art,etc.) Its goal is to complete cultural, tourist,
entertaining and even gastronomic offer of Samobor, and at the same time to
revive the spirit of humor and to promote healthy and creative ways of spending
the free time. In 2011 this festival put Samobor on the European circus map, and
the following year the festival confirms its wish to continue with its work. We
expect around 5 000 visitors during the festival, who will follow the events and
take part in the program. The festival hosts around 100 artists/performers Cu’fus
is the international festival and put Samobor in a circle of European cities which
offer circus art as a new kind of cultural offer for their fellow-citizens and their
guests.

CHC / CROATIAN HULA HOOP CONVENTION
organized by Cirkultura, Croatia
www.croatianhoopconvention.weebly.com

CHC / Croatian hula hoop convention CHC is an international event that gathers
hula hoop enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world with a mission to
learn different circus skills that could improve one’s performance with the hula
hoop. First CHC was held in Samobor, 2014.; the goal was to unite people from
the same interest group and to provide the program that would help artists and
enthusiasts to improve their skills. Artists that teach on the convention come
from different types of art and collaborate to combine various circus skills and
dance with the hula hoop. Most of the teachers come from Croatia, and every
year we have the guest professional teacher from abroad. CHC is held every
other year last week of August, beginning of September (next one in 2020.); 10-
15 artists come to teach in the program and perform on CHC Gala show.
FESTIVAL PERISKOP
organized by Prostor Plus / Rijeka, Croatia
www.periskopfestival.com/hr

We founded festival Periskop 3 years ago. It is happening at the end of
September-beginning of December. Festival goal is to keep it alive because is
the only one in Rijeka focusing on contemporary dance and circus.

FESTIVAL ULIČNIH ČAROBNJAKA - FUČ
organized by Čarobnjakov šešir / Istria, Croatia
www.fucfestival.com

International Festival of Street Wizards - FUČ is a festival of professional artists
and groups operating outside of institutionalized/commercial theaters and
circuses that focus on street performances. It started in 2005 in Pula but now it’s
held in 2 towns in the region of Istria, Novigrad and Labin in the middle of June.
Usually, we host 10 groups (international and national). The goal of the festival is
to promote and develop street circus performances.
FESTIVAL ANA DESETNICA
organized by Gledališče Ane Monro / Ljubljana, Slovenia
www.anamonro.si/steber/ana-desetnica

Annually held at the beginning of summer in over 10 cities across Slovenia, the
festival offers different street art genres and other performances by renowned
and emerging practitioners. In 2018 around 100 artists participated (35
companies). The festival goal is to bring street theatre all around the country and
to give the opportunity of performing also to emerging artists (we offer them
coaching). Our aim is also to connect artists/professionals/public.
CIRKUŠKA STIČIŠČA
Symposium on Circus Pedagogy in collaboration with Festival Klovnbuf,
Ljubljana
organized by Cirkokrog
www.cirkokrog.com/cirkuska-sticisca

It’s a meeting about circus pedagogy - Cirkuška Stičišča. It was held in June but
next time it’s probably going to be January. Some 10-15 circus pedagogs attend
the meeting. The goal is to establish a space where circus pedagogy is being
discussed and good practices from the field are being shared.

KUFER FESTIVAL
organized by K.V.A.R.K. Association / Križevci, Croatia
www.udruga-kvark.hr/#portfolio

The KUFER Festival gathers around 4000 children and young people who spend
their leisure time in artistic and cultural work, and some of them join the project
through long-term work on workshops. In three days of the festival around 10
shows are performed, with a variety of art/visual, educational and entertaining
program. Children and young people actively participate in artistic and cultural
work through the design of program activities and preparation of their own
performances. The goal is to create a new generation of art, urban and cultural
scene in the city and the region, to identify new artists, leaders and young
people.
THE SITUATION IN THE BALKANS

SPACES
The spaces that are used in Balkans for practicing circus skills are mostly within
a social-cultural centers or institutions (66,7%), rented private or public spaces
(51,5%), own spaces (18,2%), circus tents (9,1%). Space size varies from 60m2 to
300m2 and is usually used just for practicing circus skills, not for performing.
Most of the respondents answered that the spaces they are using are suitable for
training the circus skills but not also for full preparation and presentation of the
circus shows. Although the respondents are satisfied with the spaces, they have
pointed out various space problems, such as the height or anchor point for some
disciplines as well as lack of technical equipment (sound and lights).

Chart 1. How satisfied are you with the space in which you work and the
resources you have: (rate 1 to 5)

                  1                          2           3                4

   1 size of space
   2 the number of circus props and exercise equipment
   3 technical equipment related to performances of
   performances / programs (sound, light, technicians)
   4 tehnical equipment related...
From Chart 2 we can conclude that the shows are usually performed on the
streets or within the festivals. That’s why street art performances are more
developed and performed in Balkans (also because they are the financial source
for the artists). The theaters still do not recognize contemporary circus as
performing art and are not open to hosting this kind of shows. This shows us
that the artists who already developed their circus skill, don’t have space where
they could create or perform shows.

Chart 2. The shows are most often performed
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
On the question “Do you provide artists in residencies program?” 66,66% of
respondents answered negative, 3,03% sometimes, 30,30% positive.

The ones who answered positive pointed out that the spaces they provide, do
not have the conditions for all circus disciplines, especially for those who require
height. To artists in residency is usually offered free use of space and sometimes
free accommodation.

Yes, we provide. The one in the independent cultural center we use for artists in residency that
doesn’t need height. We offer to the artists space and all technical equipment that is in the
space, technician’s services, possibility to perform a work in progress presentation, promotional
activities connected to their residency and presentation, artistic help (outside eye..)
*Cirkorama, Zagreb, Croatia

HALA 100 is a residency center for contemporary circus arts. We invite different international
and domestic artists for residencies for 7 and more days. During the residencies they have
access to the residency place, they can use all of our technical equipment and props and we help
them with technical needs and give them artistic advice. Every residency finishes with the work-
in-progress presentation.
*ROOM 100, Split, Croatia

Resident artists get free rehearsal space for 6 hours a day. Depending on the requirements
of their creation, we provide equipment, mats and everything else needed. The downside is
that space is used by many people so resident artists can’t leave their scenography or any
other equipment, they must assemble it each day. In the near future, we are planning some
rearrangements to space so there is a possibility to have a private residential area that is not
going to be used by other regular day-to-day activities.
* Kulturna alternativa mladih - Hram

We use space for artist in residencies or for educational workshops. We provide 300 m² of space
with full technical equipment related to performances, technical conditions of space and diverse
equipment.
* K.V.A.R.K. Association, Križevci, Croatia

Space (cultural center) is not high enough for aerial acrobatics, nor for high-quality juggling.
Space is good to be used in the initial stage of research on creation and is used on the principle
of an open calendar. The second space (circus tent) corresponds to all conditions for the
creation of circus performances. For now, it is used on the principle of personal agreements.
*Cirkusfera, Belgrade, Serbia
LIST OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM:

Cirkorama, Zagreb, Croatia
Čarobnjakov šešir, Pula, Croatia
Kulturna alternativa mladih - Hram, Split, Croatia
K.V.A.R.K. Association, Križevci, Croatia
ROOM 100, Split, Croatia
Traumatic arts, Zagreb, Croatia
Cirko Cachivache, Athens, Greece
EX- teater, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Cirkusfera, Belgrade, Serbia

Chart 3. Do you use artistic residencies during the period of preparation of the
show?
EDUCATION
Professional education on Balkans is mainly related to the development of circus
skills. Often are organized workshops with foreign experts and the leaders are
paid by the fees from participants. In Balkans there are no circus choreographers
or directors, so artists don’t have someone to learn from about creation
processes. Many shows are deeply influenced by mainstream theater, especially
children’s plays and there is a lack of circus directors and choreographers who
are sufficiently familiar with the artistic movements in the contemporary circus.
To have this kind of help, it would improve the way the shows are built.

Chart 4. Your professional education is mainly related to Organizations also
provide workshops and training for children and youth. Social circus pedagogy
started to develop in the region, especially because there are grants for this kind
of activities. There are some collaboration projects on this topic that are already
done. Many organizations work with children with special needs, immigrants,
marginalized social groups. Usually, they offer free shows and workshop. They
also collaborate with Clowns without borders or Red Noses Clown doctors
international.
FUNDING
On the question “How do you fund the production of your shows?” almost
all respondents answered by our own money or our own resources that are
earned thru commercial activities (mostly gigs). In Balkan countries, there are
no national grants or tenders for production of contemporary circus or street
art show, just for theatrical plays. So sometimes it needs to be called by this
name to be able to get the financial support for production. Some organizations
answered that their productions are funded by co-producers.
On the other hand, activities of the organization are funded by subventions from
the tenders on the national or local level or through foreign cultural institutes,
international funds, EU projects. Some incomes are coming from membership
fees for classes that are organized or from festivals where they perform, private
events, the audience - funded projects, commercial gigs, event entertainment
and engagements in the business sector.
Employment in the circus and street art organization is quite low and varies in
different countries of the region. Most of the organization employs 1 person full-
time and 1 person half-time. Some organizations are based on voluntary work.
Artists are usually freelancers but without the artistic status that it’s recognized/
approved by the state.

NETWORKING AND COLLABORATIONS
Organizations that filled the mapping mostly claimed to be the members of
some European networks. Mainly were listed: Circostrada network, CircusNext
PlaTFoRM, EYCO- European youth circus organization, Caravan circus network,
CITI- Centre International pour le Theatres Itinerants.
Cooperation among organizations in the Balkans exists, usually informal and
mostly through the exchange of performances at festivals and events in the
region. They would also like to start collaboration on common regional projects
that could be financed by EU or Erasmus+.
IMPRESSUM
Publisher:
Cirkorama
Teslina 15
10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Mapping provided: Irena Boljunčić Gracin & Nikola Mijatović
Text written: Irena Boljunčić Gracin
Design: Rina Barbarić

Zagreb, 2018.

The online publication is available on the webpage www.cirkobalkana.org

Mapping of circus and street art organization in Balkans is part of the CPuP -
Circus on the move project that is financed by Foundation Kultura nova.

Partners in the CPuP platform: Cirkorama (Zg/HR), Čarobnjakov šešir (Pu/HR),
Cirkusfera (Bg/SRB), Gledališče Ane Monro /LJ/SLO),
Anazitites theatrou (/Thes/GR)
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